Scuba fabric is a kind of double knit material composed of spandex and polyester. Double knit means that this fabric was created with multiple sets of needles at once, connecting two layers of fabric together. Scuba material has a very smooth texture, a fine gauge thread, and a slightly springy feel to it.

They also have different properties, while Ponte Roma has stretch, scuba jersey is well known for having both good stretch and recovery. Something that you will appreciate if like me you tend to accidentally pull/stretch fabrics while sewing them!

Scuba is generally used to make dance-wear, leggings and dresses (think of evening or party dresses) and is quite easy to care for. When sewing scuba, we would recommend using larger stitches than you may normally do so, to account for both the stretch and the ‘spongey’ texture of the fabric.

We would also suggest using a ball point needle, these can be easily (and cheaply) purchased and make the world of difference for knit fabrics. Knit fabrics such as scuba, jersey and Ponte Roma are knitted rather than woven, and a ball point needle will be able to slide through the gaps in the knit rather than piercing it.